Round 9: Titans v Storm preview
Two teams on the opposite ends of the ladder come to face off, with the Storm riding a winning wave currently having won four on the trot, whilst the Titans have crept out of last place after finally getting their first win of the season last weekend.
The Gold Coast side have seen a terrible start to the 2024 season, opening with six losses from six games, they were given minimal chance to the beat the Warriors away from home for the annual ANZAC Day match, but they defied most. With improved attack, and some terrific defence, a courageous Titans side came out on time, with a 27-24 score line.
Despite picking up their first win, there are a few unforced changes to the Titans, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Aaron Schoupp dropping out and being respectively replaced by Phillip Sami and Harley Smith-Shields. Mo Fotuaika misses the match due to concussion, with Joe Stimson taking his place in prop. David Fifita has been named to start, however there is a chance he could make a late switch to the bench similarly to the last few rounds.
Prior to last week, all the Storm's wins were by eight or less points, with four of these matches won by the side in the final ten minutes of the match, so despite winning six of seven matches, it's been a tumultuous start to the year for the Melbourne side. However, last week the Storm finally broke free, and piled on the points against the Rabbitohs, for a game that finished 54-20.
Xavier Coates is out for the match after finishing last week's game early due to a hamstring strain, so Tyran Wishart takes his spot on the wing and Bronson Garlick fills his void on the bench. Despite also picking up a hamstring injury concern during the ANZAC match, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named to play.
The history books are on the Melbourne side this weekend, with them winning their last nine of ten matches against the Titans, and overall having a record of 20 wins from 27 games. The Storm have only lost once up at the Gold Coast since 2013, with this loss coming last year during Round 3, with the Storm being defeated 38-34.
Last meeting: Round 26 2023 - Storm 37 Titans 16
Who to watch: Playing a starring role in last round's game against the Warriors, AJ Brimson made 186 run metres in 14 runs, two line breaks, five tackle breaks and two tries. After playing in both the centres and five-eighth for the opening rounds of the year, AJ had a great game in the fullback position last week, and I would love to see this form continue.
Cameron Munster is playing his milestone 200th match this weekend, which comes after an impressive performance against the Rabbitohs which saw him voted as Player of the Match. Missing the opening four matches of the year, Munster made his return against the Broncos in Round 5 and since then has played four games, scoring one try, whilst making six try assists and four line break assists.
Favourite: Melbourne is favoured to make it five in a row, and add another two points to their 2024 count.
My tip: Despite finally turning the corner after a terrible start to the season, the Titans will not be able to survive the Storm that hits them on Saturday. Melbourne will just overpower the Gold Coast side in both defence and attack, and if the Titans aren't careful many points could end up being leaked. Melbourne by 18.
